Suspension for a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a suspension for a vehicle. In an embodiment, a suspension structure for a vehicle includes a shock absorber configured to absorb and mitigate vibrations of a vehicle body, a solenoid valve disposed on an outer surface of the shock absorber, the solenoid valve configured to control a damping force of the shock absorber, a fixing bracket coupled to the outer surface of the shock absorber, and a dust cover mounting seat fitted on an outer periphery of the shock absorber and connected to the fixing bracket.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0021239, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on February 19, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to vehicle suspension, and more specifically, to vehicle suspension structures including air springs and shock absorbers. Background Technology

[0004] With the shift from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles, vehicle weight increases, and driving and handling (R&H) performance is often reduced due to unfavorable inertial parameters.

[0005] Therefore, a superior suspension structure is expected, and the application of air suspension may be anticipated.

[0006] Air suspension, currently known as a high-performance suspension structure, utilizes rubber chambers as air springs. The durability and performance of these rubber chambers can vary depending on their internal volume. Furthermore, maximum performance can be achieved when combined with electronically controlled shock absorbers.

[0007] The rubber chamber of an air spring is a component highly susceptible to external impacts and requires a dust cover for protection during operation. However, since ensuring the volume of the air spring often conflicts with the vehicle's enclosure (internal space, design, etc.), a technology that can ensure a large volume of air spring within the same space is desired.

[0008] like Figure 1 As shown, after the electrically controlled shock absorber 1 is combined with the air spring 2, a dust cover 3 must be applied to protect the rubber air chamber. However, in order to fix the dust cover 3, a thin annular steel structure 4 with a certain diameter must be welded to the shock absorber 1.

[0009] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a certain amount of space is required to insert the equipment WM for welding operations and the equipment CM for caulking or curling operations, in order to fix the external solenoid valve 5 to the electrically controlled shock absorber 1. Due to the space constraints of these caulking or curling operations, the installation position of the annular structure that holds the dust cover must be raised from "a" to "b".

[0010] Since the dust cover 3 also requires a certain amount of space, moving the position of the annular structure that fixes the dust cover 3 upward means reducing the volume of the air spring 2, which may lead to a decrease in durability and performance. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Therefore, the present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems, and according to the present invention, a vehicle suspension structure is provided: the durability of the air spring is ensured by applying a fixing bracket around the shock absorber and a dust cover mounting bracket that engages therewith, and the space required for applying the dust cover fixing structure is minimized by combining the dust cover mounting bracket after the welding and caulking process, thereby ensuring a large volume of the air spring.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a suspension structure for a vehicle includes: a shock absorber engaged with an air spring and absorbing and mitigating vibrations of the vehicle body; a solenoid valve disposed on one side of the shock absorber to control the damping force of the shock absorber; a mounting bracket engaged with the outer surface of the shock absorber; and a dust cover mount mounted on the outer periphery of the shock absorber and connected to the mounting bracket.

[0013] The shock absorber can be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0014] The solenoid valve can be formed by an external valve mounted on the outer surface of the shock absorber so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shock absorber.

[0015] The solenoid valve can be fixed by welding.

[0016] The end of the solenoid valve can be sealed with caulking.

[0017] The fixed bracket can be formed into a ring shape and fixed to the outer surface of the shock absorber by welding.

[0018] The fixed bracket can be made of steel.

[0019] The fixed bracket may include: a fixed ring formed around the periphery of the shock absorber and installed with a gap therebetween, on which a dust cover mounting seat is mounted; and a fixed protrusion integrally formed on the inner surface of the fixed ring to protrude inward and be fixed to the outer surface of the shock absorber.

[0020] Only the portion of the fixed protrusion can be fixed by welding.

[0021] The fixed protrusion may be composed of multiple protrusions that maintain a constant spacing.

[0022] The dust cover mounting base can be formed by a pair of symmetrical mounting members that are joined together to face each other, and can be formed in a ring shape.

[0023] The dust cover mounting base can be made of plastic material.

[0024] The mounting component may include: a mounting plate having a groove, the lower part of which is inserted into and fixed in the groove; and a mounting hook protruding downward from the inside of the mounting plate and fitted into a fixing bracket.

[0025] The mounting hook may consist of a plurality of protrusions spaced at a fixed interval.

[0026] The mounting hook can be inserted into the space between the fixed protrusions of the fixed bracket, and then assembled and engaged with the fixed protrusions by rotation.

[0027] A mounting groove for assembling and engaging the aforementioned fixed protrusion can be formed in the mounting hook.

[0028] In a suspension for a vehicle structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, the fixed bracket and the aforementioned solenoid valve can be fixed to the outer surface of the shock absorber by welding, the end of the solenoid valve can be caulked, the dust cover mounting seat can be assembled and engaged into the fixed bracket, and the dust cover can be engaged into the dust cover mounting seat.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the durability of the air spring is ensured by applying a fixing bracket around the shock absorber and a dust cover mounting bracket engaging with it, and the method of engaging the dust cover mounting bracket after the welding and caulking process can minimize the space required for applying the dust cover fixing structure, thereby ensuring a large volume of the air spring. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing a vehicle suspension structure including conventional air springs and dust covers.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a view showing the welding and caulking process of a conventional vehicle suspension structure.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a view showing the space required to install a conventional vehicle suspension structure.

[0033] Figure 4 The accompanying drawing illustrates a vehicle suspension structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a view showing a dust cover mounting bracket for a vehicle suspension structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a view showing a fixed bracket of a vehicle suspension structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7This is a view illustrating the welding process of a vehicle suspension structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a view illustrating the caulking process of a vehicle suspension structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a view showing the combined state of the fixed bracket and dust cover mounting seat of a vehicle suspension structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 10 This is a view showing the process of combining a fixed bracket of a vehicle suspension structure according to an embodiment of the present invention with a dust cover mounting seat. Detailed Implementation

[0040] In the following description, some exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to readily implement these exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art should recognize that the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

[0041] Furthermore, throughout the specification, the same reference numerals represent the same elements in the first embodiment, and only elements in other embodiments that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0042] The accompanying drawings are schematic and not scaled to size. Relative scales and ratios in the drawings have been enlarged or reduced for accuracy and convenience, and the scales are arbitrary and not limited thereto. Furthermore, throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same structures, elements, or components. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, the element may be directly on the other element, or there may be an intermediate element present in between.

[0043] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in detail in the drawings, showing the desired exemplary embodiments of the invention. Therefore, various modifications to the schematic diagrams are contemplated. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to a specific shape of the illustrated area, and, for example, modifications to the shape are also included through manufacturing.

[0044] In the following, a vehicle suspension structure 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Figure 4 The accompanying drawing illustrates a vehicle suspension structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a view showing a dust cover mounting bracket for a vehicle suspension structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6This is a view showing a fixed bracket of a vehicle suspension structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Reference Figure 4 According to one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle suspension structure includes a shock absorber 10, a solenoid valve 20, a fixed bracket 30, and a dust cover mount 40.

[0047] Shock absorbers 10 are attached to the vehicle body and serve to absorb and reduce vehicle body vibrations.

[0048] The shock absorber 10 can be formed in a cylindrical shape, with its upper part connected to the side of the vehicle body and its lower part connected to the side of the vehicle wheel. Although not shown, an air spring can be arranged around the outer periphery of the shock absorber 10.

[0049] Solenoid valve 20 can be disposed on one side of the outer surface of shock absorber 10 to control the damping force of shock absorber. Solenoid valve 20 can be formed as an external valve mounted on the outer periphery of shock absorber 10 and extending in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of shock absorber 10. Solenoid valve 20 can be an electronically controlled suspension (ECS) type valve, which is configured to communicate with the cylinder side of shock absorber 10 and control the hydraulic pressure inside the cylinder body via an electrical signal.

[0050] The solenoid valve 20 can be fixed to the outer surface of the shock absorber 10 by welding, and its end can be sealed by caulking. The end of the solenoid valve 20 extending in a direction perpendicular to the length of the shock absorber 10 can be covered with a cover, and the cover can be caulked to prevent hydraulic pressure inside the cylinder from leaking to the outside.

[0051] The mounting bracket 30 can be attached to the outer surface of the shock absorber 10. The mounting bracket 30 can be formed in an annular shape and fixed to the outer surface of the shock absorber 10 by welding. The mounting bracket 30 can be fixed to the outer surface of the cylinder of the shock absorber 10 and can be made of steel.

[0052] like Figure 6 As shown, the fixing bracket 30 may consist of a fixing ring 32 and fixing protrusions 34. The fixing ring 32 is formed into an annular shape with a predetermined height and thickness, and the fixing protrusions 34 may be integrally formed into an inwardly protruding shape on the inner surface of the fixing ring 32. The fixing protrusions 34 may consist of a plurality of protrusions maintaining a constant spacing. In this embodiment, the fixing protrusions 34 may consist of four protrusions.

[0053] The fixing protrusion 34 can directly contact the outer surface of the shock absorber 10 and be fixed by welding. Only a portion of the fixing protrusion 34 can be welded to the outer surface of the shock absorber 10. Therefore, with the fixing bracket 30 engaged with the shock absorber 10, the fixing ring 32 is installed while forming a gap with the outer surface of the shock absorber 10, and the fixing protrusion 34 is welded and engaged to contact the outer surface of the shock absorber 10.

[0054] The dust cover mounting base 40 can be positioned to contact and be fixed to the upper part of the fixing ring 32, and the dust cover mounting base 40 can be fixed via the fixing protrusion 34.

[0055] The dust cover mounting base 40 can be fitted and engaged into the fixed bracket 30 on the outer surface of the shock absorber 10, and a dust cover (not shown) installed to cover the outside of the air spring can be installed. The dust cover can be installed to cover a portion of the shock absorber 10. That is, the lower part of the dust cover contacts the dust cover mounting base 40, and the upper part of the dust cover contacts the annular structure, so that it is installed between the annular structure and the dust cover mounting base 40.

[0056] The dust cover mounting base 40 can be formed into an annular shape with a predetermined height and thickness, and can be composed of a pair of symmetrical mounting members 42 and 46, which engage facing each other. The dust cover mounting base 40 can be made of plastic material.

[0057] Mounting components 42 and 46 may be composed of mounting plates 44 and 48 and mounting hooks 43 and 47. Mounting plates 44 and 48 have grooves, the lower part of the dust cover is inserted into and fixed in the grooves, and mounting hooks 43 and 47 protrude downward from the inside of mounting plates 44 and 48 and are fitted into the fixing bracket 30.

[0058] A mounting member 42 may consist of a semi-circular mounting plate 44 and two mounting hooks 43 formed on the inner side of the mounting plate 44. A groove may be formed as a semi-circular ring on the upper surface of the mounting plate 44, similar in shape to the mounting plate 44, and may be formed in multiple segments. The ends of the mounting plates 44 and 48 are fitted and engaged, such that the dust cover mounting base 40 has an overall annular shape. Alternatively, the mounting hooks 43 and 47 may be formed by a plurality of protrusions spaced at fixed intervals. In this embodiment, the mounting hooks 43 and 47 may consist of four protrusions.

[0059] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the fixing protrusion 34 of the fixing bracket 30 can be formed by four protrusions arranged at a constant interval, and the mounting hooks 43 and 47 can also be formed by four protrusions arranged at a constant interval, so that when the dust cover mounting seat 40 is fastened to the fixing bracket 30, the mounting hooks 43 and 47 can be inserted into the space between the fixing protrusions 34 and then assembled by rotation.

[0060] Figure 7 This is a view illustrating the welding process of a vehicle suspension structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a view illustrating the caulking process of a vehicle suspension structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 This is a view showing the combined state of the fixed bracket and dust cover mounting seat of a vehicle suspension structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Observe the assembly process of a vehicle suspension structure 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the annular structure is welded to the outer surface of the upper part of the shock absorber 10, the fixed bracket 30 is welded to the outer surface of the middle part of the shock absorber 10, and the solenoid valve 20 is welded to the outer surface of one side of the lower part of the shock absorber 10 so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shock absorber 10.

[0062] Next, as Figure 8 As shown, the end of the solenoid valve 20 is covered by a cover, and the cover is sealed by a sealant CM.

[0063] Since welding and caulking are performed without the dust cover mounting base 40 installed, there are no limitations such as the upward movement of the annular structure for the entry of welding equipment and caulking equipment CM or the reduction of the volume of the air spring.

[0064] Next, as Figure 9 As shown, the dust cover mounting base 40 is assembled and engaged into the mounting bracket 30. The dust cover mounting base 40 is composed of a pair of semi-circular mounting members 42 and 46 that are joined together facing each other, such that while the mounting bracket 30 is engaged with the outer surface of the shock absorber 10, the pair of mounting members 42 and 46 are engaged with each other on the mounting bracket 30. After the mounting hooks 43 and 47 are inserted into the space between the fixing protrusions 34 formed on the mounting bracket 30, the dust cover mounting base 40 is rotated to complete the assembly of the mounting bracket 30 and the dust cover mounting base 40.

[0065] Next, although not shown, a dust cover is installed between the annular structure and the dust cover mounting base 40 so that it is supported by the dust cover mounting base 40, thereby completing the assembly of the suspension structure 100.

[0066] Figure 10 This is a view showing the process of combining a fixed bracket of a vehicle suspension structure according to an embodiment of the present invention with a dust cover mounting seat.

[0067] like Figure 10As shown, (a): a dust cover mounting base 40 is prepared, consisting of a pair of semi-circular mounting members 42 and 46 facing each other, and the mounting members 42 and 46 are joined to the upper part of a fixing bracket 30 pre-attached to the outer surface of the shock absorber 10 by welding. At this time, (b): mounting hooks 43 and 47 are positioned such that they are inserted into the space between the fixing protrusions 34 of the fixing bracket 30. Next, (c): the dust cover mounting base 40 is rotated, and the fixing protrusions 34 are partially fitted and engaged into the fitting grooves 49 formed in the mounting hooks 43 and 47.

[0068] In this way, according to one embodiment of the invention, the durability of the air spring is ensured by applying a fixing bracket around the shock absorber and a dust cover mounting bracket engaging with it, and the space required for applying the dust cover fixing structure can be minimized by engaging the dust cover mounting bracket after the welding and caulking process, thereby ensuring a large volume of the air spring.

[0069] While the invention has been described in conjunction with what are now considered practical embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A suspension structure for a vehicle, comprising: Shock absorbers are configured to absorb and reduce vibrations of the vehicle body; A solenoid valve is disposed on the outer surface of the shock absorber, the solenoid valve being configured to control the damping force of the shock absorber; A fixed bracket, which engages with the outer surface of the shock absorber; and A dust cover mounting base is fitted onto the outer periphery of the shock absorber and connected to the fixed bracket.

2. The suspension structure for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The shock absorber has a cylindrical shape.

3. The suspension structure for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The solenoid valve is an external valve installed on the outer surface of the shock absorber, extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shock absorber.

4. The suspension structure for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein, The solenoid valve is welded to the outer surface of the shock absorber.

5. The suspension structure for a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein, The end of the solenoid valve is sealed with caulking.

6. The suspension structure for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The fixed bracket is annular and welded to the outer surface of the shock absorber.

7. The suspension structure for a vehicle according to claim 6, wherein: The fixed bracket is made of steel.

8. The suspension structure for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The fixing bracket includes: A retaining ring, which is positioned around the periphery of the shock absorber and installed with a gap from the shock absorber; and A fixed protrusion is integrally formed with the fixed ring and protrudes inward on the inner surface of the fixed ring, wherein the fixed protrusion is fixed to the outer surface of the shock absorber.

9. The suspension structure for a vehicle according to claim 8, wherein, Only the protruding part is welded to the shock absorber.

10. The suspension structure for a vehicle according to claim 8, wherein, The fixed protrusion includes multiple protrusions, each protrusion being spaced at a constant distance from its adjacent protrusion.

11. The suspension structure for a vehicle according to claim 8, further comprising a dust cover mount, the dust cover mount comprising a pair of symmetrical mounting members forming a ring, the symmetrical mounting members facing each other.

12. The suspension structure for a vehicle according to claim 11, wherein, The dust cover mounting base is made of plastic material.

13. The suspension structure for a vehicle according to claim 11, wherein, Each mounting component includes: Mounting plate having a groove, the lower part of which can be inserted and secured to the dust cover; and The mounting hook protrudes downward from the inside of the mounting plate and can be fitted into the fixing bracket.

14. The suspension structure for a vehicle according to claim 13, wherein, The mounting hook includes a plurality of protrusions spaced at fixed intervals.

15. A method of assembling a suspension structure for a vehicle, the method comprising: Weld the mounting bracket to the outer surface of the shock absorber; The solenoid valve is welded to the outer surface of the shock absorber, so that it extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shock absorber; The end of the solenoid valve facing the shock absorber is caulked to seal the end; Install the dust cover mounting base onto the fixed bracket on the outer periphery of the shock absorber.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The dust cover mounting base is installed after welding and caulking.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The dust cover mounting bracket includes: A pair of mounting components are positioned on a fixed bracket, wherein each mounting component includes a mounting hook; A pair of mounting components are joined together to form a ring around the outer periphery of the shock absorber.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The dust cover mounting bracket further includes: Insert the mounting hook into the space between the fixing protrusions of the fixing bracket; Rotate the dust cover mounting base so that the mounting slot located on the mounting hook moves to the portion of the fixed protrusion.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising: Connect the dust cover to the dust cover mounting bracket.

20. A dust cover mounting base, comprising: A pair of symmetrical mounting members forming a ring, wherein each mounting member includes: Mounting plate having a groove into which a dust cover can be inserted and secured; and A mounting hook protrudes downward from the inside of the mounting plate, wherein the mounting hook includes a mounting groove.

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